#221 - Situation Analysis

Chapter 218: Situation Analysis

After sending off the thirty undercover agents from the Tongzhou Society, Wei Changtian spent another ten days or so working on the "post-disaster reconstruction" of Shuzhou.

After all, the "accidental deaths" of a large number of officials and the "running away with funds" of a large number of wealthy merchants would inevitably affect the normal social order.

In addition, the vigorous "catching spies" campaign that had already been launched throughout Shuzhou really made him experience what it means to have "the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility".

"Young Master, in the past few days, the spies from all sides in Shuzhou City have basically not dared to show their faces."

In the study, Chen Bo sat on the edge of his chair, very respectfully asking: "Do you think we should continue?"

"No, we can never catch all the spies. This level is enough now. Just pay more attention in the future."

Wei Changtian nodded, then turned to Liang Zhen and asked: "Uncle Liang, how is the situation in Jizhou?"

"War is imminent."

Liang Zhen only said four words concisely, and everyone in the room sighed after hearing this.

Is it finally coming to this?

Half a month ago, the Imperial Guards left the capital and went straight to Jizhou, but in the end, they were stationed in the adjacent Bingzhou, as if they wanted to force the Xu family to surrender with the momentum of a large army pressing down on the city.

However, the Xu family obviously did not have this plan. Not only did they firmly control Jizhou, but they also kidnapped the prince, the Prince of Jian, who was far away in Liangzhou at some point.

This clearly shows that they are prepared to use the name of the prince to directly confront Ning Yongnian.

Of course, Ning Yongnian could not tolerate this. He immediately ordered the mobilization of troops from the five surrounding states of Jizhou to join the Imperial Guards in a decisive battle with the Xu family, and even personally supervise the battle.

So, is the fight finally about to begin?

"Changtian..."

Liang Zhen pondered for a moment and asked: "Now the imperial court has gathered the troops of five states together with the Imperial Guards to attack Jizhou. Even if the Xu family is well prepared, I am afraid it will be difficult to hold on for too long."

"We still don't sever ties with the Xu family. Isn't this too dangerous?"

Liang Zhen's question expressed what many people were thinking.

Now, in the entire Daning's thirty-six states, except for Jizhou and Shuzhou, the rest of the states, no matter what they do in secret, have at least taken many measures to suppress the Xu family on the surface.

Only Shuzhou remained unmoved. Although they kept saying "support the imperial court", the Xu family's properties on the streets were still open for business, and even those Xu family members who ran from nearby states to escape were all accepted.

With such a disobedient act, Ning Yongnian really doesn't have time to care about it now, but he will definitely settle the score after he solves the Xu family.

Strictly speaking, this idea is not wrong.

But it can only be said that they don't see far enough.

"Uncle Liang, do you think the Xu family is so vulnerable?"

Wei Changtian knew that if he didn't explain it a little, he was afraid that this questioning emotion would continue to spread, so after thinking for a while, he slowly said:

"But what's the use of just having money?"

Liang Zhen frowned and asked: "How can the strength of one state be compared to five states?"

Wei Changtian smiled and asked: "Haha, Uncle Liang, what do you think a war is about?"

"Naturally, it is the generals' strategy and the soldiers' combat power!" Liang Zhen replied without hesitation.

"That's right, but in my opinion..."

Wei Changtian smiled: "War is about money."

"Money?"

Everyone was stunned, except for Chu Xianping, who was sitting in the corner, who nodded slightly.

"Yes, it's money."

Wei Changtian continued: "Since it is a war, at least one side will have tens of thousands of people, right?"

"With so many people, how much food and grass will be needed in a day? How much military pay will be issued? How many weapons will be consumed?"

"The imperial court has money now, but what about the state governments?"

"Could they be richer than the Xu family?"

"Furthermore, over the years, the Xu family must have accumulated countless rare treasures in addition to money."

"With these treasures, it shouldn't be difficult to hire a few experts from the green forests, right?"

"Not to mention too many, as long as the Xu family can produce three or four more Second-Rank experts, will the situation be different?"

"This..."

Liang Zhen now understood what Wei Changtian meant, and couldn't help but ask: "Changtian, then according to you... can the Xu family still succeed?"

"The probability of success is not high."

Wei Changtian shook his head in "self-denial": "The power of one family cannot compete with a country after all. If the Xu family doesn't have any backhands, failure is only a matter of time."

Liang Zhen was puzzled: "Then why don't we break off relations with them as soon as possible?"

"Uncle Liang, what does it matter to us who wins or loses between the Xu family and the imperial court? Our opponent is only the Liu family."

Wei Changtian took a sip of tea and smiled: "As long as it is beneficial to this matter, there is nothing that cannot be done."

"As for settling the score later... Hehe, if there really is such a day, the emperor can find any reason he wants."

"..."

As soon as these words came out, Chu Xianping and Chen Bo instantly understood what Wei Changtian, or rather, what the Wei family wanted to do.

Only Liang Zhen still looked confused, obviously not understanding the meaning of these words.

Good fellow, this uncle of mine is really a standard martial artist's brain, only suitable for fighting...

Wei Changtian shook his head and turned his gaze to Chu Xianping.

The latter immediately leaned over and whispered the secrets to Liang Zhen. Wei Changtian himself stretched his waist, pushed the door open, and walked out of the study.

For safety reasons, his office is no longer at home, but has been moved directly to the state government office.

Although it is indeed much more convenient to handle things, the disadvantage is that he can't see the laughing and busy beauties in the small courtyard as soon as he looks up.

Bah!

I am now a person who wants to do great things, how can I still be as obsessed with women as before!

But then again, it has indeed been a long time since I had a good workout with Yang Liushi and Yuan'er.

Or should I...

"Zhang San!"

"Young Master, I'm here."

"Prepare the car! Return to the mansion!"

"Yes."

What is said is done. In terms of "exercise", Wei Changtian can indeed be called decisive.

He walked towards the gate of the state government office, while looking up at the sky that was already approaching dusk.

Desolate for thousands of miles, the setting sun and yellow clouds.

Although he is constantly exchanging letters with Wei Xianzhis now, the situation in the capital is changing rapidly, and he is always a little worried from time to time, fearing that the next letter he receives will be the last words of his cheap old man.

But with Wei Zhaohai there, there shouldn't be any major problems, right?

By the way, since the Mother-Son Jade has real-time communication function, should I invent a set of "Chinese Morse code" or something, so that I can save the time of sending letters back and forth in the future and truly achieve instant communication...

He thought wildly for a long time, slowly withdrawing his gaze from the sky.

And at this moment, an old eunuch standing in front made Wei Changtian stop in his tracks instantly.

Huh?

Li Huaizhong?